PHYSICS (OCR)

A2 COURSE OUTLINE

What is A2 Physics?

Physics As with AS physics there are virtually no topics which you would not have done at GSCE. If you have already completed AS Physics, you will find that much of the A2 material directly builds on this work. You will be pleased to know that Unit 4 is a straightforward progression on Unit 1 Mechanics. Some newer material is based on waves and quantum physics.

You also have a straightforward practical asesssment not unlike that at AS to be taken in February. Physics at A2 covers topics not covered at AS, such as Further Mechanics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Radioactivity, Particle Accelarators, The Universe and Medical Uses of Physics. The only extra mathematics you need will be logarithms and exponential decay.

Students will face questions based on:

  • Calculation from formula
  • Describe and explain
  • Define terms
  • Describe familiar experiments

What Skills Will Students Develop by Studying Physics?

  • Numerical skills
  • Mathematical skills-graph gradients, rearranging equations (GCSE algebra)
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Practical/experimental skills

Physics (OCR) A2 Specification

Unit 4
1hr
15% of entire A-level mark

The Newtonian World
Revision of forces and Newton's Laws, already done at AS. Taking this further to apply to collisions, oscillations e.g pendulum, and circular motion including orbits of planets and satellites. Then we study heat energy and temperature including the Kinetic theory of gas molecules. This is a straightforward progression of Unit 1 of AS Physics.

Unit 5
1hr45min
25% of entire A-level mark

Fields Particles and Frontiers of Physics
A new and fairly straightforward topic in electricity-capacitors. You will study electric and magnetic fields including the physics of motors generators and transformers. Then radioactivity, nuclear particle physics and stars and the universe. Finally the use of physics in medicine such as X-rays and ultrasound.

Unit 6
10% of entire A-level mark

Practical Skills in Physics 2
Two experiments one qualitative, one quantitative and the evaluation of one of them. Similar style to the AS. Related to the A2 syllabus e.g timing a pendulum.

This is done in mid February so we can spend April and May revising for the June exams.

Course structure
Involves 6 lessons a week, each of 45 min which involves covering the course content, and exam practice. It is essential that homework deadlines are adhered to and that students follow the instructions of the teacher in preparing for the exam and practicals.

Recommended Reading
"OCR A2 PHYSICS STUDENT BOOK and exam cafe CD"
Robert Hutchings and Roger Hackett

Fees and Dates